U.S. warships arrive in Russia for joint naval exercise

Two U.S. battleships have arrived in Russia's Far East port of Vladivostok to participate in a joint exercise with the Russian Navy.

The USS Lassen (DDG 82), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer; and the USS Patriot (MCM 7), a minesweeper, will participate in the drill, to be held September 28-30. The exercise will include mine-sweeping and anti-submarine operations, the mock interception of a vessel trespassing in territorial waters and a sea-rescue operation.

"This is the third meeting of Russian and American sailors this year. There are two goals - the further development of naval cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, and the joint naval exercise Pacific Eagle 2007," a Russian Navy spokesman said.

Russia is represented by the Admiral Panteleyev, an Udaloy-class destroyer.